Happy Birthday To Me :)

This is what I said to myself as I crossed that finish line this morning. That, and a whole other slew of thoughts "You did this. It's ok to be proud. This is what you've been working for."

But to get there, I will start with my journey to Seattle which begins the day before (Saturday) where the city was alive with the Irish spirit.

Kellen and I headed on over to the city in the morning to meet up with some friends to celebrate. Kellen got into the Irish spirit on the ride their because we knew the city would be flooded with green:Our first order of business:
Picking up my race packet and shirt for the next day!
For lunch (and birthday celebration) we went to the cheesecake factory. I've been eyeing the "avocado egg rolls" for quite some time and wanted to try them out.
They were so yummy, but I'm sure quite high in calories. Oh well. It's my party...right?
For our main entree K and I shared the Thai Lettuce Wraps:
Things got a little silly while we were waiting for our food:
That night we stayed at my mom's apartment in seattle. The next morning I was SO pumped and excited for the race!

Here is me in all my gear back at the apartment:
We walked about a 1/2 mile to get to the start. I figured it was a good warm up!About the race:

WOW! 15,000 people showed up for this race around the city of Seattle. Green was EVERYWHERE! The weather was gorgeous- beautiful and sunny, but just the perfect temperature for a long run.

For whatever reason, I ended up having only ONE running buddy to walk up to the start line with. But that's ok! This race was not about friends- it was about my own accomplishment. However, I was happy to have one bud there (for the beginning at least)--it happened to be my husband's best bud Will. (p.s. ladies, this guy is amazing, AND SINGLE! hehe)
Of course the hubby was there to cheer us on. He has some problem with his knees so he didn't run, but he was cheering on taking pictures from the sidelines!

This is me right after I crossed the starting line (unfortunately the hubby's picture taking skills are....lacking...lol)
It was SUCH an amazing experience.

There were honestly people there at every stage of their life- old, young, fit, not so fit, skinny, lots to love (hehe). This was amazingly encouraging. Not once did I feel out of place or to slow. Some people chose to walk, others sprinted. But we all did it.

I was so nervous that I might have stopped to walk. It has been my goal for four months that I would run this whole race. Well guess what?

I SUCCEEDED.That's right....3.7 miles. The farthest I've ever ran! What an amazing feeling.

Honestly, time didn't matter. I don't even know my "official" time yet. All that matters is that I set a goal and I accomplished it. For that I am extremely happy.

Happy Birthday to me :)